Monet Bailey

Monet Bailey is working towards becoming fully-qualified in digital marketing through an apprenticeship where she works alongside her studies.

Apprenticeships are a great way to make contacts, gain qualifications and earn money whilst studying; here’s what Monet said about her journey so far.

“Business is heading towards becoming even more digitally focused”

What inspired you to pick a digital apprenticeship?

I have always been a creative person, with a name like Monet it kind of felt inevitable! Whilst at school I studied media at A Level where I was required to complete several creative projects, such as shooting a music video and designing a CD case, which I loved and the creative process behind things such as an advert intrigued me. I felt pressure at school to apply for university, but I knew I didn’t want to spend four more years in education and it was more important to get out there and get my foot in the door which an apprenticeship offers. I also believe that business is heading towards becoming even more digitally focused therefore I am progressing in a career where there will be demand.

“I showed my previous work from my A levels”

What was the application process like?

Firstly I applied on the National Apprenticeship website specifying my area of interest as digital marketing. I was contacted by 3AAA Apprenticeships who are the training provider that secured me the The Pulse Group interview. I was required to attend an interview with 3AAA as well as complete an English and math’s test in order to determine my skill level. Following this, I attended the Pulse interview where I showcased my previous work from my A levels and answered scenario-based questions. I was really pleased when I found out shortly after that I was successful. The Pulse Group is a local company to me and I felt it was important for me to give back to the people I know in my community.

“I meet weekly with my manager”

What support do you receive from your employer and training provider?

I feel well supported from both my training provider 3AAA and Pulse and have regular meetings with both. I have a formal monthly meeting with my mentor from 3AAA where we discuss things I need to do for my work portfolio, set goals and review my progress. I meet weekly with my manager and the wider marketing team where we discuss work in progress and delegate weekly tasks. On a daily basis I can go to my manager with anything that may arise.

If you are looking for different opportunities to gain experience in digital marketing then check out our workshop and jobs sections to see what is available at the moment.

“Business studies,”

What did you study before undertaking an apprenticeship?

I did business studies, media studies and law at A Level.

“Control 22 Facebook pages, 6 Twitter pages and a Linkedin”

What is a typical day like and can you tell us about the company you work for?

I work for the Pulse Group, which is based in Congleton where I live. They are a leading global provider of bespoke and innovative leisure solutions with a focus on fitness, soccer, design and build and business support. As an organisation they provide support to more than 75, 000 leisure facilities in 31 countries across six continents. They also operate 15 fitness, leisure and soccer centres across the UK.

My day begins by reading Marketing Week to get up to speed on any marketing news as well as current trends in the sports and fitness sphere. We monitor and control 22 Facebook pages, 6 Twitter pages and a LinkedIn page which I will also check first thing and action anything as necessary. The bulk of my day is spent working on any project I have on the go such as researching World Cup marketing, sending email campaigns to club members or assisting on a photoshoot. The day ends with a final check of all socials to ensure that they are all running as they should be.

“80% work and 20% study.”

How is your time split between work and study? How much time do you spend studying versus work?

Across the year it is 80% work and 20% study. I visit the 3AAA training academy a few days a month where I get taught the various aspects of marketing such as SEO and Google Analytics although learning on the job is just as important and every day I discover new skills and develop my current ones. Throughout my apprenticeship I will create a portfolio as well as study for and take several exams.

“I love to create things”

What do you enjoy most about your role?

As I said before, I am a creative individual as well as being forward thinking and innovative, so I love to create things and put this passion into my work. I enjoy completing projects and love the freedom I have here to contribute my ideas. One of my favourite projects to date was a gym start-up that needed us to create and run their social media. This was a fantastic project as I really knew the tone of voice and understood their message. It was great to see traction to the site from nothing.

“Own my own digital marketing company.”

What are your plans for when you finish your apprenticeship?

I wish to stay within digital marketing and further develop my digital skills as this is what I am passionate about. Ideally, I would love to continue my career with Pulse and in the long run it would be a dream of mine to own my own my own digital marketing company.

“Just go for it!”

What advice would you give to those thinking of starting an apprenticeship?

Just go for it! School instilled in me the notion that you must go to university, but that route isn’t for everyone. Apprenticeships provide vital knowledge and education whilst also giving you the opportunity to gain important experience in a working environment.

If you like the sound of an apprenticeship then check out our ‘Apprenticeships’ section here for all relevant information.

“My self-confidence has hugely grown.”

What have you learned so far?

I have learned so much, it has been a true eye opener. As well as learning concrete skills such as basic coding, website creation and copywriting I have also developed and learned a lot about myself and my self-confidence has hugely grown. I look forward to seeing where I will be in the coming months.

“Every day I learn something new”

How does it compare to your expectations if you had any?

Any expectations I had for both the role and working in the sports and fitness industry as a whole have been far exceeded. I didn’t appreciate the need for roles like mine within the industry or understand fully the growth and demand within the sector. As for working at The Pulse Group, every day I learn something new and it is a pleasure coming into a job where I love what I do and who I am doing it with.

If you’re looking for a career in sports media then check out more profiles from those in the industry here. Digital marketing is a great way to build a network ofcreative people all working in different ways towards the same outcome, it is sociable, exciting and flexible.